The Tafseer of Surat an-Nabaa

Since 2012-11-17

 

All praise is due to Allaah, we praise Him, and seek His help and forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allaah, Most High, from the evils of our own selves and from our wicked deeds. Whoever Allaah guides, there is none who can misguide him, and whoever Allaah allows to be misguided cannot be guided. I testify that there is no true God worthy of being worshipped except Allaah, alone, without partner or associate. I further testify that Muhammad is His true slave and Messenger (Salla Allaahu Aleihi Wasallam) (1). May Allaah's Salaah and Salaam be also granted to the Prophet's pure family, and to all of his noble companions.
 
{O you who believe! Fear Allaah [by doing all that He ordered and abstaining from all that He forbade] as He should feared [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always] and die not except in a state of Islaam (as Muslims with complete submission to Allaah).} [Aal-i-Imran 3:102]
 
{يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّـهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِۦ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ} آل عمران: 102
 
Transliteration: Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo ittaqoo Allaha haqqa tuqatihi wala tamootunna illa waantum muslimoona
 
{O mankind! Be dutiful to you Rabb (Allaah) (2), Who created you from a single person (Aadam) and from him (Aadam) He created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allaah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights) and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allaah is ever an All-Watcher over you.} [An-Nisaa 4:1]
 
{يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱتَّقُوا۟ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍ وَٰحِدَةٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالًا كَثِيرًا وَنِسَآءً ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّـهَ ٱلَّذِى تَسَآءَلُونَ بِهِۦ وَٱلْأَرْحَامَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّـهَ كَانَ عَلَيْكُمْ رَقِيبًا} النساء: 1
 
Transliteration: Ya ayyuha alnnasu ittaqoo rabbakumu allathee khalaqakum min nafsin wahidatin wakhalaqa minha zawjaha wabaththa minhuma rijalan katheeran wanisaan waittaqoo Allaha allathee tasaaloona bihi waalarhama inna Allaha kana AAalaykum raqeeban
 
{O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allaah and fear Him, and speak (always) the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allaah and His Messenger has indeed achieved a great success.} [Al-Ahzaab 33:70-71]
 
{يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّـهَ وَقُولُوا۟ قَوْلًا سَدِيدًا ﴿٧٠﴾ يُصْلِحْ لَكُمْ أَعْمَـٰلَكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ ۗ وَمَن يُطِعِ ٱللَّـهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ فَقَدْ فَازَ فَوْزًا عَظِيمًا} الأحزاب: 70-71
 
Transliteration: Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo ittaqoo Allaha waqooloo qawlan sadeedan (70) Yuslih lakum aAAmalakum wayaghfir lakum thunoobakum waman yutiAAi Allaha warasoolahu faqad faza fawzan AAatheeman
 
It proceeds then: That the most truthful speech is that of Allaah's Book (the Qur'aan) and that the best of guidance is that of Muhammad (Salla Allaahu Aleihi Wasallam). The worst of evils are innovation (foreign to the true teachings of Islaam). Every innovated matter (in religion) is a Bid'ah; every Bid'ah is a Dalaalah (misguidance), and every Dalaalah is in the Fire of Hell. The Qur'aan is the Word of Allaah. The Tafseer (Exegesis) of the meaning of the Noble Ayat (verses) of the Qur'aan is critical to the understanding of Islaam as a whole. The Qur'aan is explained by the Qur'aan itself (3) and by the Sunnah (4) of the Prophet (Salla Allaahu Aleihi Wasallam). The Salaf (5) not only transmitted the explanation of the Qur'aan, but laid down the foundations for Ijitihaad (6) and thus their way is the best and most reliable way of Tafseer. Philosophical and scholastic opinions dealing with the Word of Allaah produce confusion, alterations in the meaning of the texts and thus lead astray. The Muslim is called to follow the path of those who gained Allaah's Pleasure. They are the Salaf, may Allaah make us follow their path in all matters of Islaam.
 
Considering the above, I have decided to bring closer the Salaf's Tafseer in separate publications starting with the Tafseer of Part Thirty of the Noble Qur'aan. I hope that this approach will be simple enough so that it will, Inshaa' Allaah, benefit a broad sector of the Muslim Ummah (Nation). I ask Allaah to accept this effort and make it beneficial for all those who read it and (or) distribute it.
 
The Tafseer of Surat an-Nabaa
 
{About what are they asking one another? (1) About the great news (7)}
 
{عَمَّ يَتَسَآءَلُونَ ﴿١﴾ عَنِ ٱلنَّبَإِ ٱلْعَظِيمِ ﴿٢﴾}
 
Transliteration: AAamma yatasaaloona (1) AAani alnnabai alAAatheemi
 
The disbelievers question the occurence of the Day of Reckoning. Allaah (SWT (8)) describes this Day as the one that brings Great News. Ibin Katheer (The eminent scholar of Tafseer) said that most likely this News refers to the Resurrection after death, based upon the fact that Allaah (SWT) says about it in the next ayah (verse):
{That over which they are in disagreement. (3)}
 
{ٱلَّذِى هُمْ فِيهِ مُخْتَلِفُونَ ﴿٣﴾}
 
Transliteration: Allathee hum feehi mukhtalifoona
 
Mankind are divided to believers and disbelievers regarding the occurrence of this Day. Allaah (SWT) warns those who deny it, saying:
 
{No! They are going to know. (4) Then, no! They are going to know. (5)}
 
{كَلَّا سَيَعْلَمُونَ ﴿٤﴾ ثُمَّ كَلَّا سَيَعْلَمُونَ ﴿٥﴾} 
 
Transliteration: Kalla sayaAAlamoona (4) Thumma kalla sayaAAlamoona
 
An emphasized and a confirmed warning for those who deny this Day that they will certainly come to know that the Day of Resurrection is true. Allaah shows His abilities to produce the Signs of this Day and He tells about its magnitude in the following verses so that the people contemplate and realize that Allaah, Who is able to bring about these Signs, is All-Able to bring life to the Dead as well as Resurrection. Allaah (SWT) tells mankind about many aspects of His Ability and Power to create what He wishes. For those who under-estimate Allaah and His Greatness, there is a reminder, and for those who believe, there is an affirmation:
 
{Have We not made the earth a resting place? (6) And the mountains as stakes? (7)}
 
{أَلَمْ نَجْعَلِ ٱلْأَرْضَ مِهَـٰدًا ﴿٦﴾ وَٱلْجِبَالَ أَوْتَادًا ﴿٧﴾} 
 
Transliteration: Alam najAAali alarda mihadan (6) Waaljibala awtadan
 
To provide cohesiveness and stability to the earth. Modern scientific discoveries found that these pegs are driven into the ground like pegs used to anchor a tent.
 
{And We (9) created you in pairs (8)}
 
{وَخَلَقْنَـٰكُمْ أَزْوَٰجًا ﴿٨﴾}
 
Transliteration: Wakhalaqnakum azwajan 
 
Males and females, tall and short, good and bad etc. Males and females lawfully enjoy each other (through marriage) and have children. This enjoyment is physical as well as emotional. It provides mercy and morally abiding friendship. Allaah (SWT) says in another Ayah in the Qur'aan: {And among His signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves that you may find repose in them and He has put between them affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed Signs for a people who reflect.} [Ar-Room 30:21]
 
{وَمِنْ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦٓ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَٰجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ} الروم: 21
 
Transliteration: Wamin ayatihi an khalaqa lakum min anfusikum azwajan litaskunoo ilayha wajaAAala baynakum mawaddatan warahmatan inna fee thalika laayatin liqawmin yatafakkaroona
 
{And made your sleep [a means for] rest (9)}
 
{وَجَعَلْنَا نَوْمَكُمْ سُبَاتًا ﴿٩﴾} 
 
Transliteration: WajaAAalna nawmakum subatan
 
Sleep discontinues the motion at the end of the day. A resting time for human efforts seeking sustenance. This is just one other Mercy of Allaah,
 
{And made the night as clothing (10)}
 
{وَجَعَلْنَا ٱلَّيْلَ لِبَاسًا ﴿١٠﴾} 
 
Transliteration: WajaAAalna allayla libasan 
 
The darkness covers you just as your garment covers your body. The "covering" night produces a quiet environment to reside in and to become still.
 
{And made the day for livelihood (11)}
 
{وَجَعَلْنَا ٱلنَّهَارَ مَعَاشًا ﴿١١﴾} 
 
Transliteration: WajaAAalna alnnahara maAAashan
 
Allaah produced shining light in it (from the Sun) so that people can manage their affairs and function to produce their livelihood which He (SWT) has already ordained for each individual in appropriate measures. In another Ayah, Allaah says: {It is out of His Mercy that He has put for you night and day, that you may rest therein (i.e. during the night) and that you may seek of His Bounty (i.e. during the day), and in order that you may be grateful.} [Al-Qasas 28:73]
 
{وَمِن رَّحْمَتِهِۦ جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلَّيْلَ وَٱلنَّهَارَ لِتَسْكُنُوا۟ فِيهِ وَلِتَبْتَغُوا۟ مِن فَضْلِهِۦ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ} القصص: 73
 
Transliteration: Wamin rahmatihi jaAAala lakumu allayla waalnnahara litaskunoo feehi walitabtaghoo min fadlihi walaAAallakum tashkuroona
 
{Who, other than the Creator of Day and Night can balance their respective course of time?" "Say (O Muhammad (Salla Allaahu Aleihi Wasallam): Tell me! If Allaah made night continuous for you till the Day of Resurrection, who is a god besides Allaah who could bring you light? Will you not then hear?} [Al-Qasas 28:71]
 
{قُلْ أَرَءَيْتُمْ إِن جَعَلَ ٱللَّـهُ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلَّيْلَ سَرْمَدًا إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ مَنْ إِلَـٰهٌ غَيْرُ ٱللَّـهِ يَأْتِيكُم بِضِيَآءٍ ۖ أَفَلَا تَسْمَعُونَ} القصص: 71
 
Transliteration: Qul araaytum in jaAAala Allahu AAalaykumu allayla sarmadan ila yawmi alqiyamati man ilahun ghayru Allahi yateekum bidiyain afala tasmaAAoona
 
{Say (O Muhammad (Salla Allaahu Aleihi Wasallam): Tell me! If Allaah made day continuous for you till the Day of Resurrection who is a god besides Allaah who could bring you night wherein you rest? Will you then not see?} [Al-Qasas 28:72]
 
{قُلْ أَرَءَيْتُمْ إِن جَعَلَ ٱللَّـهُ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلنَّهَارَ سَرْمَدًا إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ مَنْ إِلَـٰهٌ غَيْرُ ٱللَّـهِ يَأْتِيكُم بِلَيْلٍ تَسْكُنُونَ فِيهِ ۖ أَفَلَا تُبْصِرُونَ} القصص: 72
 
Transliteration: Qul araaytum in jaAAala Allahu AAalaykumu alnnahara sarmadan ila yawmi alqiyamati man ilahun ghayru Allahi yateekum bilaylin taskunoona feehi afala tubsiroona
 
{And constructed above you seven strong [heavens] (12)}
 
{وَبَنَيْنَا فَوْقَكُمْ سَبْعًا شِدَادًا ﴿١٢﴾} 
 
Transliteration: Wabanayna fawqakum sabAAan shidadan
 
Seven, wide, high, firmly constructed, beautifully constructed, beautifully built without supporting columns. Beautified with stars, planets, the sun and the moon. The sun as a shining lamp:
 
{And made [therein] a burning lamp (13)}
 
{وَجَعَلْنَا سِرَاجًا وَهَّاجًا ﴿١٣﴾} 
 
Transliteration: WajaAAalna sirajan wahhajan
 
The "Lamp" illuminates the whole universe to provide light as well as heat allowing growth, energy, etc.
 
{And sent down, from the rain clouds, pouring water (14)}
 
{وَأَنزَلْنَا مِنَ ٱلْمُعْصِرَٰتِ مَآءً ثَجَّاجًا ﴿١٤﴾} 
 
Transliteration: Waanzalna mina almuAAsirati maan thajjajan
 
Allaah beautifully explains in another Ayah: {Allaah is He Who sends the winds, so they raise clouds and spread them along the sky as He wills, and then breaks them into fragments until you see rain drops come forth from their midst! Then when He has made them fall on whom of His slaves as He wills, lo! They rejoice!} [Ar-Room 30:48]
 
{ٱللَّـهُ ٱلَّذِى يُرْسِلُ ٱلرِّيَـٰحَ فَتُثِيرُ سَحَابًا فَيَبْسُطُهُۥ فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ كَيْفَ يَشَآءُ وَيَجْعَلُهُۥ كِسَفًا فَتَرَى ٱلْوَدْقَ يَخْرُجُ مِنْ خِلَـٰلِهِۦ ۖ فَإِذَآ أَصَابَ بِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِۦٓ إِذَا هُمْ يَسْتَبْشِرُونَ} الروم: 48
 
Transliteration: Allahu allathee yursilu alrriyaha fatutheeru sahaban fayabsutuhu fee alssamai kayfa yashao wayajAAaluhu kisafan fatara alwadqa yakhruju min khilalihi faitha asaba bihi man yashao min AAibadihi itha hum yastabshiroona
 
The benefits of water are remarkable:
 
{That We may bring forth thereby grain and vegetation (15)}
 
{لِّنُخْرِجَ بِهِۦ حَبًّا وَنَبَاتًا ﴿١٥﴾}
 
Transliteration:Linukhrija bihi habban wanabatan
 
Eaten by man and animals and used in various useful means.
 
{And gardens of entwined growth. (16)}
 
{وَجَنَّـٰتٍ أَلْفَافًا ﴿١٦﴾} 
 
Transliteration: Wajannatin alfafan
 
With different fruits, fragrance, tastes, smells produced in one single piece of land! This is similar to another Ayah where Allaah (SWT) says: {And in the earth are neighboring tracts and gardens of vines, and fields sown with corn, and palm trees, growing out two or three from a single stem root, or otherwise (one stem root for every palm), watered with the same water, yet some of them We make more excellent than others to eat. Verily in these things are Ayat (signs, proofs, evidences, lessons) for the people who understand.} [Ar-Ra’d 13:4]
 
{وَفِى ٱلْأَرْضِ قِطَعٌ مُّتَجَـٰوِرَٰتٌ وَجَنَّـٰتٌ مِّنْ أَعْنَـٰبٍ وَزَرْعٌ وَنَخِيلٌ صِنْوَانٌ وَغَيْرُ صِنْوَانٍ يُسْقَىٰ بِمَآءٍ وَٰحِدٍ وَنُفَضِّلُ بَعْضَهَا عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ فِى ٱلْأُكُلِ ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ} الرعد: 4
 
Transliteration: Wafee alardi qitaAAun mutajawiratun wajannatun min aAAnabin wazarAAun wanakheelun sinwanun waghayru sinwanin yusqa bimain wahidin wanufaddilu baAAdaha AAala baAAdin fee alokuli inna fee thalika laayatin liqawmin yaAAqiloona
 
All of the above Favours of Allaah are so vivid. How could the disbelievers make use of all of these bounties and yet deny the Resurrection? Then come the realities: O! man don't forget that there is an appointed term for everything:
{Indeed, the Day of Judgement is an appointed time - (17)}
 
{إِنَّ يَوْمَ ٱلْفَصْلِ كَانَ مِيقَـٰتًا ﴿١٧﴾} 
 
Transliteration: Inna yawma alfasli kana meeqatan
 
This time does not increase nor decrease nor it is to be postponed, and no one knows its specific occurrence except Allaah (SWT). He says about it:
{The Day the Horn is blown and you will come forth in multitudes (18)}
 
{يَوْمَ يُنفَخُ فِى ٱلصُّورِ فَتَأْتُونَ أَفْوَاجًا ﴿١٨﴾} 
 
Transliteration: Yawma yunfakhu fee alssoori fatatoona afwajan
 
Each Ummah (nation) will come with its respective Imams, as Allaah (SWT) says in another Ayah in the Qur'aan: {And remember) the Day when We shall call together all human beings with their (respective) Imams (their prophets, or their Holy Books like the Qur'aan, the Torah, the Gospel, or their Records of good and bad deeds, etc.} [Al-‘Israa’ 17:71]
 
{يَوْمَ نَدْعُوا۟ كُلَّ أُنَاسٍۭ بِإِمَـٰمِهِمْ...} الإسراء: 71
 
Transliteration: Yawma nadAAoo kulla onasin biimamihim
 
 

 

Imam Bukhari relates that Abu Hurayrah (RA) said that the Prophet (Salla Allaahu Aleihi Wasallam) said: "Between the two sounds of the trumpet there will be Forty." Somebody asked Abu Hurayrah, "Forty days?" But he refused to reply. Then he asked, "Forty Months?" He refused to reply. Abu Hurayrah added "Then (after this period) Allaah will send water from the sky and then the dead bodies will grow like vegetation grows, there is nothing of the human body that does not decay except one bone; that is the little bone at the end of the coccyx of which the human body will be recreated on the Day of Resurrection." (10)
 
«ما بين النفختين أربعون. قال: أربعون يوما؟ قال: أبيت، قال: أربعون شهرا؟ قال: أبيت، قال: أربعون سنة؟ قال: أبيت. قال: ثم ينزل الله من السماء ماء، فينبتون كما ينبت البقل، ليس من الإنسان شيء إلا يبلى، إلا عظما واحدا وهو عجب الذنب، ومنه يركب الخلق يوم القيامة» رواه البخاري
 
{And the heaven is opened and will become gateways (19)}
 
{وَفُتِحَتِ ٱلسَّمَآءُ فَكَانَتْ أَبْوَٰبًا ﴿١٩﴾} 
 
Transliteration: Wafutihati alssamao fakanat abwaban
 
Allowing the passage of descending angels.
 
{And the mountains are removed and will be [but] a mirage. (20)}
 
{وَسُيِّرَتِ ٱلْجِبَالُ فَكَانَتْ سَرَابًا ﴿٢٠﴾} 
 
Transliteration: Wasuyyirati aljibalu fakanat saraban
 
This is similar to the saying of Allaah (SWT) in another Ayah of the Qur'aan: {And you will see the mountains and think them solid, but they shall pass away as the passing away of the clouds. The Work of Allaah, Who Perfected all things, verily! He is All-Acquainted with what you do.} [An-Naml 27: 88]
 
{وَتَرَى ٱلْجِبَالَ تَحْسَبُهَا جَامِدَةً وَهِىَ تَمُرُّ مَرَّ ٱلسَّحَابِ ۚ صُنْعَ ٱللَّـهِ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَتْقَنَ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ خَبِيرٌۢ بِمَا تَفْعَلُونَ} النمل: 88
 
Transliteration: Watara aljibala tahsabuha jamidatan wahiya tamurru marra alssahabi sunAAa Allahi allathee atqana kulla shayin innahu khabeerun bima tafAAaloona
 
{And they ask you concerning the mountains, say: My Rabb will blast them and scatter them as particles of dust.} [Taa-Haa 20:105]
 
{وَيَسْـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلْجِبَالِ فَقُلْ يَنسِفُهَا رَبِّى نَسْفًا} طه: 105
 
Transliteration: Wayasaloonaka AAani aljibali faqul yansifuha rabbee nasfan
 
{And the day We shall cause the mountains to pass away (like clouds of dust)! and you will see the earth as a leveled plain, and we shall gather them all together so as to leave not one of them behind.} [Al-Kahf 18:47]
 
{وَيَوْمَ نُسَيِّرُ ٱلْجِبَالَ وَتَرَى ٱلْأَرْضَ بَارِزَةً وَحَشَرْنَـٰهُمْ فَلَمْ نُغَادِرْ مِنْهُمْ أَحَدًا} الكهف: 47
 
Transliteration: Wayawma nusayyiru aljibala watara alarda barizatan wahasharnahum falam nughadir minhum ahadan
 
People think when they see the mountains that it mounts to something, yet it is nothing, and it will completely vanish without any remains.
 
{Indeed, Hell has been lying in wait (21) For the transgressors, a place of return, (22)}
 
{إِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ كَانَتْ مِرْصَادًا ﴿٢١﴾ لِّلطَّـٰغِينَ مَـَٔابًا ﴿٢٢﴾} 
 
Transliteration: Inna jahannama kanat mirsadan (21) Lilttagheena maaban
 
At-Tagheen: Those who transgress the boundary limits set by Allaah like the Kuffar (disbelievers), Mushriks (worshipping other than Allaah), hypocrites, sinners, criminals, etc.
 
{In which they will remain for ages [unending]. (23)}
 
{لَّـٰبِثِينَ فِيهَآ أَحْقَابًا ﴿٢٣﴾} 
 
Transliteration: Labitheena feeha ahqaban
 
Ahqaba (pl. Huqq'b) (i.e. for ages): One after the other forever as related by Qutadah, Al-Hassan al-Basri and other prominent scholars of the Salaf. Most of them mentioned that each Huqq'b is eighty (80) years.
 
{They will not taste therein [any] coolness or drink (24)}
 
{لَّا يَذُوقُونَ فِيهَا بَرْدًا وَلَا شَرَابًا ﴿٢٤﴾}
 
Transliteration:La yathooqoona feeha bardan wala sharaban
 
No cooling their hearts shall they find in Hell, nor a good drink to quit their thirst. That is why Allaah (SWT) says:
 
{Except scalding water and [foul] purulence - (25)}
 
{إِلَّا حَمِيمًا وَغَسَّاقًا ﴿٢٥﴾} 
 
Transliteration: Illa hameeman waghassaqan
 
The dark fluid is a festering water from the sweat, tears and wounds of the people of Hell.
 
{An appropriate recompense. (26)}
 
{جَزَآءً وِفَاقًا ﴿٢٦﴾} 
 
Transliteration: Jazaan wifaqan
 
Allaah is All-Just. His punishment is All-Just. They will be punished because:
 
{Indeed, they were not expecting an account (27)}
 
{إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ لَا يَرْجُونَ حِسَابًا ﴿٢٧﴾} 
 
Transliteration: Innahum kanoo la yarjoona hisaban
 
They did not believe that everything will return to Allaah and, therefore, they did not prepare for this Day.
 
{And denied Our verses with [emphatic] denial. (28)}
 
{وَكَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا كِذَّابًا ﴿٢٨﴾} 
 
Transliteration: Wakaththaboo biayatina kiththaban
 
The proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations together with the guidance shown to them by Allaah's Messengers, were faced with rejection and denial.
 
{But all things We have enumerated in writing. (29)}
 
{وَكُلَّ شَىْءٍ أَحْصَيْنَـٰهُ كِتَـٰبًا ﴿٢٩﴾} 
 
Transliteration: Wakulla shayin ahsaynahu kitaban
 
Allaah (SWT) had known all the deeds of His slaves and had written them all in a BOOK long before mankind was created. He decreed reward and punishment. There is no sin more grave than Shirk (setting up rivals with Allaah in worship). Those who commit Shirk have an ill opinion about Allaah. Justly, they shall receive an eternal punishment and that is Hell.
 
{"So taste [the penalty], and never will We increase you except in torment." (30)}
 
{فَذُوقُوا۟ فَلَن نَّزِيدَكُمْ إِلَّا عَذَابًا ﴿٣٠﴾} 
 
Transliteration: Fathooqoo falan nazeedakum illa AAathaban
 
 

 

It will be said to the people of Hell: taste what you are suffering. We shall not grant you an increase except similar torment and so it shall progressively multiply. It is related that Abdullaah Ibin Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, said: "Allaah did not bring down on the people of fire an Ayah more severe than this Ayah." He said they will be forever in a state of progressive increase in torment, and Allaah is All-Just.
 
What about those who fear Allaah and accept the Message of Tawheed? Allaah (SWT) describes in the following Ayat some of their conditions:
 
{Indeed, for the righteous is attainment - (31)}
 
{إِنَّ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ مَفَازًا ﴿٣١﴾} 
 
Transliteration: Inna lilmuttaqeena mafazan
 
The Mut'taqeen are those pious and righteous persons who fear Allaah, worship none except Him (SWT) and do righteous deeds. They will end up in:
 
{Gardens and grapevines (32) And full-breasted [companions] of equal age (33)}
 
{حَدَآئِقَ وَأَعْنَـٰبًا ﴿٣٢﴾ وَكَوَاعِبَ أَتْرَابًا ﴿٣٣﴾} 
 
Transliteration: Hadaiqa waaAAnaban (32) WakawaAAiba atraban
 
There are young virgin women whose breasts are firm (steady on their chests) and not loose as the breasts of women of this life.
 
{And a full cup. (34)}
 
{وَكَأْسًا دِهَاقًا ﴿٣٤﴾} 
 
Transliteration: Wakasan dihaqan
 
Akrama (a great scholar of Tafseer) said that the wine of Paradise is clear. The resemblance to the wine is only in name. It does not cause any loss of conscious nor stomach pain and its taste and smell are good, unlike the wine of this life. In another ayah in the Qur'aan, Allaah (SWT) says: {Round them will be passed a cup of pure wine; (45) White, delicious to the drinkers, (46) Neither they will have Ghoul (any kind of hurt, abdominal pain, headache, a sin, etc.) from that, nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom.} [As-Saaffaat 37:45-47].
 
{يُطَافُ عَلَيْهِم بِكَأْسٍ مِّن مَّعِينٍۭ ﴿٤٥﴾ بَيْضَآءَ لَذَّةٍ لِّلشَّـٰرِبِينَ ﴿٤٦﴾ لَا فِيهَا غَوْلٌ وَلَا هُمْ عَنْهَا يُنزَفُونَ} الصافات: 45-47
 
Transliteration: Yutafu AAalayhim bikasin min maAAeenin (45) Baydaa laththatin lilshsharibeena (46) La feeha ghawlun wala hum AAanha yunzafoon
 
There are rivers of this kind of wine in Paradise: {Rivers of wine delicious to those who drink.} [Muhammad 47:15]
 
{...وَأَنْهَـٰرٌ مِّنْ خَمْرٍ لَّذَّةٍ لِّلشَّـٰرِبِينَ...} محمد: 15
 
Transliteration: waanharun min khamrin laththatin lilshsharibeena
 
 

 

The wine of this world is prohibited because of its known evil effects on the individuals as well as the society. The Prophet (Salla Allaahu Aleihi Wasallam)  said: "He who drinks wine in this world would be deprived of it in the Hereafter, unless he repents." (11)
 
من شرب الخمر في الدنيا ، ثم لم يتب منها ، حرمها في الآخرة» رواه مسلم»
 
{No ill speech will they hear therein or any falsehood - (35)}
 
{لَّا يَسْمَعُونَ فِيهَا لَغْوًا وَلَا كِذَّٰبًا ﴿٣٥﴾}
 
Transliteration:La yasmaAAoona feeha laghwan wala kiththaban
 
It is the place of peace, nothing in it is deficient. As Allaah (SWT) says in the another Ayah: {No vain speaking will they hear therein, nor any sinful speech (like backbiting, etc.), (25) but only the saying of Salaam! Salaam! (Greeting with peace).} [Al-Waaqia 56: 25-26]
 
{لَا يَسْمَعُونَ فِيهَا لَغْوًا وَلَا تَأْثِيمًا ﴿٢٥﴾ إِلَّا قِيلًا سَلَـٰمًا سَلَـٰمًا} الواقعة: 25-26
 
Transliteration: La yasmaAAoona feeha laghwan wala tatheeman (25) Illa qeelan salaman salaman
 
All of these Favors are from Allaah:
 
{[As] reward from your Lord, [a generous] gift [made due by] account, (36) [From] the Lord of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them, the Most Merciful. They possess not from Him [authority for] speech. (37)}
 
 
{جَزَآءً مِّن رَّبِّكَ عَطَآءً حِسَابًا ﴿٣٦﴾ رَّبِّ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ۖ لَا يَمْلِكُونَ مِنْهُ خِطَابًا ﴿٣٧﴾}
 

 

 
Transliteration: Jazaan min rabbika AAataan hisaban (36) Rabbi alssamawati waalardi wama baynahuma alrrahmani la yamlikoona minhu khitaban
 
Allaah (SWT) tells us about His Greatness and Majesty and that He is the Rabb of the Heavens and the Earth and all that is between them. That He is the Most Beneficent Whose Mercy encompasses everything. No one has the right or power to argue with Allaah about anything. He is above all creation. He may permit those who plead in truth and righteousness but only after His permission is granted as He (SWT) says: {Who is He that can intercede with Him except with His permission?} [Al-Baqarah 2:255]
 
{...مَن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يَشْفَعُ عِندَهُۥٓ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ...} البقرة: 255
 
Transliteration: man tha allathee yashfaAAu AAindahu illa biithnihi
 
{The Day that the Spirit and the angels will stand in rows, they will not speak except for one whom the Most Merciful permits, and he will say what is correct. (38)}
 
{يَوْمَ يَقُومُ ٱلرُّوحُ وَٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ صَفًّا ۖ لَّا يَتَكَلَّمُونَ إِلَّا مَنْ أَذِنَ لَهُ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ وَقَالَ صَوَابًا ﴿٣٨﴾}
 
Transliteration: Yawma yaqoomu alrroohu waalmalaikatu saffan la yatakallamoona illa man athina lahu alrrahmanu waqala sawaban
 
Ibin Katheer, May Allaah's Mercy be upon him, mentioned seven sayings about the meaning of the Ruh (Spirit): a) Jibreel, b) Special servants of Allaah other than the angels, c) The souls of the children of Adam standing forth in ranks, d) Special creation of Allaah having the form of the children of Adam yet they are not angels nor humans but they eat and drink, e) A special great angel, f) The Children of Adam and g) The Qur'aan.
 
Ibin Katheer, supports the opinion that the Spririt may be the children of Adam. Shaykh Muhammad Ameen ash-Shanqiti (may Allaah's Mercy be upon him) in his famous book of Tafseer, known as Adwaa' ul Bayaan (12) said that the evidence from the Qur'aan indicates that "the Spirit is the Special Angel Jibreel." He cites as reference, the ayah about the descent of the angels in the Night of al-Qadar in the month of Ramadaan. Allaah (SWT) says: {Therein descend the angels and the Ruh (Jibreel) by Allaah's Permission with all decrees.} [Al-Qadr 97:4]
 
{تَنَزَّلُ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ وَٱلرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ} القدر: 4
 
Transliteration: Tanazzalu almalaikatu waalrroohu feeha biithni rabbihim min kulli amrin
 
The Ruh is Ma'toufah i.e. grammatically in conjunction with "the angels" in the above ayah, thus indicating that the Ruh is the Speacial Angel Jibreel, and Allaah knows best. Many other Mufassir'roon (people of Tafseer) support the conclusion that the Ruh in the above ayah is Jibreel. Others limit the Ruh to a Great Special Angel (13). Ibin Jareer at-Tabari, in his Tafseer known as Tafseer at-Tabari (14) said that: "...the meanings are mentioned (see above), yet Allaah knows best which one it is. There is no information that specifies that any particular one of these things (mentioned above) is the one which is meant in the ayah (#38, above), and that there is no supportive evidence (i.e. for any particular meaning). Ignorance about this matter is not, therefore, harmful." Allaah knows best.
 
On the Day of Resurrection, only those whom Allaah permits to speak or intercede will do so. They will speak the truth which is the witnessing of the Tawheed of Allaah (SWT): There is no true God who deserves to be worshipped except Allaah (SWT).
 
{That is the True Day; so he who wills may take to his Lord a [way of] return. (39)}
 
{ذَٰلِكَ ٱلْيَوْمُ ٱلْحَقُّ ۖ فَمَن شَآءَ ٱتَّخَذَ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِۦ مَـَٔابًا ﴿٣٩﴾}
 
Transliteration: Thalika alyawmu alhaqqu faman shaa ittakhatha ila rabbihi maaban
 
A straight return to Allaah (SWT) by obeying Him in this worldly life.
 
{Indeed, We have warned you of a near punishment on the Day when a man will observe what his hands have put forth and the disbeliever will say, "Oh, I wish that I were dust!" (40)}
 
{إِنَّآ أَنذَرْنَـٰكُمْ عَذَابًا قَرِيبًا يَوْمَ يَنظُرُ ٱلْمَرْءُ مَا قَدَّمَتْ يَدَاهُ وَيَقُولُ ٱلْكَافِرُ يَـٰلَيْتَنِى كُنتُ تُرَٰبًۢا ﴿٤٠﴾}
 
Transliteration: Inna antharnakum AAathaban qareeban yawma yanthuru almaro ma qaddamat yadahu wayaqoolu alkafiru ya laytanee kuntu turaban
 
Allaah (SWT) says in other ayah: {And they will find all that they did, placed before them, and your Lord treats no one with injustice.} [Al-Kahf 18:49]
 
{وَوَجَدُوا۟ مَا عَمِلُوا۟ حَاضِرًا ۗ وَلَا يَظْلِمُ رَبُّكَ أَحَدًا} الكهف: 49
 
 

 

Transliteration: wawajadoo maAAamiloo hadiran wala yathlimu rabbuka ahadan
 
{On that Day man will be informed what he sent forward (of his evil or good deeds), and what he left behind (of his good or evil traditions).} [Al-Qyiamh 75:13]
 
{يُنَبَّؤُا۟ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنُ يَوْمَئِذٍۭ بِمَا قَدَّمَ وَأَخَّرَ} القيامة: 13
 
 

 

Transliteration: Yunabbao alinsanu yawmaithin bimaqaddama waakhkhara
 
On that Day, the disbeliever wishes that he was mere dust in this worldly life and that he was not even created. This is when he sees the torment that Allaah had prepared for him and when he examines his deeds written and recorded by the angels. It is explained also that he wishes to be a mere dust when Allaah (SWT) judges between the animal creation. There when Allaah (SWT) will make judgment for the hornless sheep against the horned sheep. After which He (SWT) will order the animals to be dust and it changes to dust. When this happens, the disbeliever wishes he was dust (i.e. he was an animal)!
 
 

 

The meaning of this latter explanation was related in a Hadeeth by the Prophet (Salla Allaahu Aleihi Wasallam) : "The claimants would get their claims on the Day of Resurrection so much so that the hornless sheep would get its claim from the horned sheep." (15)
 
«لتؤدن الحقوق إلى أهلها يوم القيامة. حتى يقاد للشاة الجلحاء من الشاة القرناء» رواه مسلم
 
Summary
 
This Surah, the Great News, affirms the Day of Reckoning and provides a beautiful as well as a terrifying illustration for what happens on that Day. These are facts and ayah from Allaah for those who contemplate. May Allaah guide us to re-examine our stand in this life in relation to His decrees and aim to comply with command. Ameen.
 
Advice: Read the surah with family members, a friend, give a copy of it to someone around you and if you remember the person who compiled the Tafseer of this Surah...don't forget to ask Allaah to forgive him.
 
 
The One in need of the Mercy of Allaah,
Saleh As-Saleh
 
 
 
 
---------------------
 
Footnotes
 
1.    Salla Allaahu Aleihi Wasallam: The Salaah and Salaam of Allaah be upon His Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allaahu Aleihi Wasallam) . The Salaah of Allaah upon Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allaahu Aleihi Wasallam)  is His praise of the Prophet to the angels who are close to (but below) Allaah, the Most High, who arose above His 'Arsh (Throne) which is above the seven skies. The angels also praise him (Salla Allaahu Aleihi Wasallam) . The Salaam is Allaah's safeguarding of the Prophet (Salla Allaahu Aleihi Wasallam)  from defeciencies and any kind of evil. When the Muslims says Salla Allaahu Aleihi Wasallam, he invokes Allaah to grant Praise and Security to the Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allaahu Aleihi Wasallam) . See Ibnul Qayyim's Jallaa'ul Afhaam Fee Fadlis-Salaati-wa-Salaam 'Alaa Muhammadin Kairil 'Anaam, p.128. Published by Daar ibn Katheer, Damascus, and Maktabat Daar At-Turaath, Al-Madeenah, 1408HJ/1988.
 
2.    Rabb: Allaah is ar-Rabb: He is the One Who gave all things the power to grow, to move and to change, to Whom belongs the Creation and the Commandment, The Master Who has no equal in His Sovereignty, Predominance, and Highness, The One Who Provides and Sustains all that exists.
 
3.    Some Ayat in some Surahs (Chapters) are clearly understood in light of other ayat in other parts of the Qur'aan.
 
4.    Sunnah: includes the sayings, explanations, rulings, recommendations, advice, approvals, actions and teachings by the Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allaahu Aleihi Wasallam)  pertaining to all matters of Islaam. The Sunnah is an Inspiration from Allaah as stated in the Qur'aan: "Nor does he (Muhammad) speak of (his own) desire. It is only an Inspiration that is inspired." [53:3-4].
 
5.    Comprises the companions of the Prophet (Salla Allaahu Aleihi Wasallam)  and those who follow their path in understanding Islaam up to the Day of Resurrection.
 
6.    Ijitihaad: Deducing the meaning of certain texts (or rulings) where there is no clear proof from the Qur'aan and (or) the Sunnah. The essentials of this Islaamic science is still based, however, on relevant texts of the Qur'aan and (or) Sunnah.
 
7.    Say it is the Qur'aan that Allaah (SWT) sent down to Muhammad (Salla Allaahu Aleihi Wasallam)  which calls mankind to the believe in the Oneness of Allaah (Tawheed) and informs about Death and Resurrection. The disbelievers disputed about Muhammad (Salla Allaahu Aleihi Wasallam)  and the Message that was Revealed to Him. They questioned: What is he reciting? Where did he bring this Qur'aan. Some said it is magic, others said it is poetry and some considered it stories from the past! They asked each other many questions, including questions about the Day of Reckoning! Allaah Revealed: "What are they asking (one another)!" - THE GREAT NEWS.
 
8.    SWT: Subhanahu Wata'la, Most Glorified & Most High, He is.
 
9.    One may notice that sometimes Allaah Who is One refers to Himself by We or Us. This is not an indication of different "personalities" or "forms" of Allaah as it is the case in the Trinity concept of the Catholic Church. Allaah (God) is One. The use of We and Us is always associated with verses referring to Allaah's Greatness in His Lordship e.g. Creation, Power, Might, etc... This is very common in the Arabic Language. A king issues orders or statements by saying "We" or "Us". The Power and might of any king is imperfect. Allaah?s Glorification of Himself is Perfect because He is Perfect. In His address to mankind by calling them to direct their worship to Him, Allaah always refers to Himself by I, Me and Myself. All of this is well understood in Arabic and also in other Semitic languages. Even in English, there is the "Royal We and Us" as we hear it from statements by members of the Royal Family in England and elsewhere. To Allaah, however, belongs the Best Examples, Names, Attributes, and Actions.
 
10.Saheeh al-Bukhari (English-Arabic) V.6, Hadeeth #457, P.429, Published by Dar al-Arabia, Beirut, Lebanon.
 
11.Collected by Imam Muslim in his book known as Saheeh Muslim (English Translation by A.H.Siddiqui), V.3, Hadeeth #4969. See also # 4967.
 
12.Adwaa' ul Bayaan (Arabic Text), V.9, P.16 Published by Maktabat Ibin Taymeeyah - Cairo.
 
13.This has been related to the great Sahabi (companion of the Prophet (Salla Allaahu Aleihi Wasallam) ) Ibin Ab'bass as in the Tafseer of al-Baghawi (Arabic), V.8, P.317, Published by Daar Tayybah-Riyadh, KSA.
 
14.Tafseer at-Tabari, 30/23.
 
15.Saheeh Muslim, V.4, Hadeeth # 6252, P.1366
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